Chambers stable scores maiden triumph

Photo credit: Caught in the Act Photography CQ

By Jordan Gerrans

After more than 15 years in the saddle, Central Queensland rider Tasha Chambers wanted to take on the entire process herself.

The 42-year-old took her first steps towards being a dual-licensed jockey and trainer following an injury lay-off last year, after she suffered a fractured right wrist at Callaghan Park in the middle of 2020.

The process came full circle on Tuesday afternoon at Rockhampton Jockey Club as Chambers prepared for her first ever winner as a trainer – grey gelding The Graduate getting his head down in a tight finish in the Class 1 Handicap over 1050 metres.

The maiden triumph came at just the fourth start for the brand-new stable.

Having ridden almost 200 winners in her career – mostly on the provincial Queensland circuit – Chambers was ready for a new challenge.

“I have always wanted to train, eventually, but I had a pretty bad injury last year and had the time on my hands to apply for the trainers licence,” Chambers said.

“I feel like I have worked and ridden for a lot of people over the years and I have seen how they have done things.

“I now have got in my mind what I think works well, and what does not work well, and I have developed that relationship with the horse that I wanted to have the complete control over everything.

“I want to do everything the way I want to do it to get the best result, instead of excuses.

“I live and breathe horses, I love them, and training is something you have to really commit to doing and I do not mind doing that.”

Chambers is somewhat limited in which engagements she can take as a jockey – riding at around 56kgs usually – and will regularly make trips out west on the country scene.

At regional race clubs like Longreach and Springsure, Chambers will often ride in races against apprentice hoop Emma Bell, who piloted The Graduate in the maiden victory for the stable.

Chambers was glad to be able to share the breakthrough experience with close friend Bell, as well as the grey’s owner – former jockey and now Sky Racing Queensland guru Bernadette Cooper.

Long retired from racing riding, Chambers describes Cooper as an idol of hers when she was growing and a now a good friend, as well as a winning owner.

Cooper suits the Chambers stable an owner, the rookie trainer believes, both thinking alike when it comes to preparing gallopers.

“I was so pleased and I was really happy to give Emma that opportunity, I thought the horse was a really good chance,” she said.

“Emma is a good friend and talented rider that does not get many opportunities.

“It worked out well.

“I had a good feeling leading into the races on Tuesday as the horse is owned by a really good friend of mine in Bernadette Cooper.

“It all fell into place on Tuesday and I think I got a bit excited when I was watching the race on TV in the members bar, I think I carried on a bit.”

The Chambers stable recently looked after a pair of Peter & Will Hulbert’s gallopers during their recent North Queensland campaign, which included a Mackay Cup victory for Hail Manhattan.

Co-trainer Will Hulbert credits Chambers for much of gelding's success in the north of the state, declaring she did a great job with Hail Manhattan.

The Graduate started his career in Victoria with Patrick Payne, who recommended the gelding to Chambers, noting he would be suited to Central Queensland.

As well as riding work for other CQ trainers, Chambers is keen to keep her stable small for the time being.

“I am a bit of a control freak and I like to do everything myself, so I would like to keep my stable very small and give the attention to detail and be very hands on,” she said.

“I like to spend a lot of time with them.

“I want to have horses that I think are worth putting the time and effort in with.”